The Volunteers

who keep us on track

Be part of something special.

The Caledonian Railway is entirely run by volunteers, and it simply wouldn’t exist without the incredible people who give their time, skills and energy to keep it going.

Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet like-minded people, or help preserve a piece of local history, there’s a place for you here.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering at the railway is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Yes, it can involve hard work at times, but the sense of achievement and community makes it all worthwhile.

Many of our volunteers learn new skills they never expected, make lasting friendships, and take real pride in being part of something meaningful.

Old rusted train car on railway tracks in a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.
People gathered at a train station for an outdoor event with a stage, food, and drinks.
A man smiling with glasses and a purple shirt standing next to an old, weathered train carriage.
Women enjoying drinks and conversation on a train with wood-paneled walls and red-patterned seats.

If you’d like to get involved or would like to find out some more information, simply get in touch!

Contact Us

Events Team • Track Maintenance • Diesel Team • Administration • Ticket Office • Station Upkeep • Coaches Maintenance • Steam Team • Guarding • Volunteers Wanted •

Events Team • Track Maintenance • Diesel Team • Administration • Ticket Office • Station Upkeep • Coaches Maintenance • Steam Team • Guarding • Volunteers Wanted •

Young man with blond hair, wearing a black jacket and orange reflective safety vest, standing in front of a vintage black train engine.

Meet Kieran

Over time, he’s developed practical engineering skills and enjoys getting involved with locomotive maintenance, restoration projects, and general railway operations. He particularly enjoys working with steam locomotives and learning from the experienced volunteers around the railway.

Kieran has been volunteering with the Caledonian Railway since October 2024 and has always had an interest in railways. He first got involved by helping in the steam department and quickly became interested in the restoration and maintenance side of the railway.

Volunteering at the railway has helped Kieran build confidence, teamwork, and hands-on skills while being part of a welcoming community of volunteers. He enjoys meeting visitors during events and helping preserve local railway history for future generations. Outside of the railway, Kieran is interested in gaming and model railways

Roles & Opportunities

There’s a role for everyone at the Caledonian Railway, no matter your experience or background.

Our volunteers support a wide range of areas, including:

You can also find more information here on our handy flyer.

Events

Everything related to the planning and execution of running public events.

People gathered at a train station with red trains on both sides, enjoying a live outdoor music performance on a small stage while some are seated at picnic tables and benches.

Diesel

Based at Bridge of Dun, this team carries out the running, maintenance, restoration and overhaul of our diesel fleet.

A passenger train with a green locomotive and red cars on a railway track, passing under a pedestrian bridge in a rural area with dense green trees on both sides.
Crowd of people, including children and adults, waiting in line at a train station with a large blue cartoon train and train station shelter with wooden beams and decorative flags.

Permanent Way

All on track - Maintenance and renewal of all track and related infrastructure we run our trains on.

Close-up of an abandoned train track with rusted rails and overgrown vegetation, with old train cars and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Steam

Based at Brechin, this team carries out the running, maintenance, restoration and overhaul of our steam fleet.

A vintage train station with a blue steam locomotive, red train cars, and a water tank in a scenic outdoor setting.
View of a vintage train at a train platform seen through an arched doorway.

Admin

Behind-the-scenes heros! This team deals with compliance, bookings, rostering, training and competency.

A vintage train station poster on a brick wall shows a conductor in uniform, with text indicating a route from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Below the poster is a green bench with a sign reading "Brechin," situated against the wall near a window and a green door.

Ticket Office

Join the team that operates our ticket offices on running days and our larger events.

Ticket counter area inside a station with green paneling, a clock, posters, a basket with suitcases, and a sign that says 'Tickets'.
Close-up of a vintage green park bench with a blue and white metal nameplate reading 'Brechin'.

Station

Management, upkeep & renovation of our historic stations, ensuring they retain their historic charm for the visitors.

Small historic train station with a glass awning and a clock on the roof, surrounded by a low brick wall and green fencing, with benches and trees outside.

Coaches

Based at Bridge of Dun, this team focuses on painting, maintenance, restoration and overhaul of upholstery of our coaching fleet.

A table set with various tea-time foods, including sandwiches, cakes, and biscuits, with a red plaid upholstered bench against a window in the background.

Guarding

Primarily during operating days, looking after the safety, and ensuring the smooth running of our services. It’s a lot more than just having a flag.

Old brick train station platform with green doors, benches, and a canopy supported by green columns.

From hands-on engineering to welcoming visitors, every role plays a part in keeping the railway running.

A man with glasses and a purple shirt is standing with his arms crossed, smiling in front of an old, weathered caravan.

Meet Craig

“I’ve been volunteering at the railway since 2019. I’ve always had an interest in railways; my Dad and Grandfather both worked on the railway so I think it’s in my blood!

I work as a video editor so my week days are spent in a small dark room staring at screens. It’s so nice to come to the railway and be outside, getting fresh air and doing proper work with my hands. I’m not the most technical but there’s always something to do - and it can be a lot more rewarding than spending the day tapping at a keyboard!

The railway has always been a very warm and welcoming place, with the diesel group feeling like a wee extended family. Everyone looks out for each other and there’s a great feeling of camaraderie - so much so that my wife and I chose to get married at the railway in 2022, making it an even more special and meaningful part of our lives.”

No Experience? No Problem

You don’t need any previous experience to get involved.

Full training is provided for many roles, and you’ll learn as you go from our experienced and supportive team.

All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.

Flexible & Fit Around You

Volunteering with us is completely flexible.

Whether you can help regularly or just now and again, every contribution makes a difference.

You can give as much or as little time as works for you.

A Friendly, Welcoming Community

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

They’re known for being friendly, welcoming and always happy to share their knowledge, making the railway a great place to get involved and feel part of a team.

Be Part of the Story

By volunteering, you’re helping to preserve an important part of local history and keep it alive for future generations.

It’s more than just volunteering, it’s being part of something that brings people together.

Volunteer

Get Involved

If you’re interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.

You can get in touch in a way that suits you:

  • Email: volunteer@caledonianrailway.com

  • Message us on social media

  • Speak to a member of the team during your visit

However you reach out, we’ll be happy to chat and help you get started.